by Karen Chaffee

Created on: August 14, 2009   Last Updated: August 15, 2009

Recent global studies show stress is not only on the rise but stretches across the world. No one is immune, but some sectors do feel more stress than others. Statistics reveal that mothers who work full time and also have children under the age of 13 experience stress on a near-daily basis. Throughout the world, 27% of women executives and 19% of male executives admit to feeling "super stressed."

The ravages of stress disturb not only mental and emotional well-being but also have a negative effect on one's physical health. People who are overly stressed are more prone to lung and heart disease, depression and suicide, and cirrhosis of the liver. They have more accident-caused injuries, memory loss, and are more apt to become obese. Stress also comprises one's immune system. In light of these alarming statistics, what can one do to get off the stress fast track?

Best Ways To Relax and Reduce Stress-The Quick Fix

1. Take small, regular breaks at work to switch your attention to a peaceful wall hanging or whatever is going on outside the nearest window.

2. Close your eyes and quickly do a mental body scan. Discover the tense places within and do some slow, deep breathing until you can feel those places relax.

3. Develop a short calming phrase and repeat it several times the moment you notice that you are feeling stressed.

4. Make sure to take all of your break times. Drink enough water throughout the day and keep handy nutritious snacks.

5. Take a walk on your lunch break, or use the time after you eat to make a quick call to someone you love.

6. Keep a special "stress notebook" nearby and jot down negative thoughts or feelings to get them from inside you onto the paper. Don't allow them to fester.

Best Ways To Relax and Reduce-The Long Term Fix

1. Incorporate positive habits into your daily life. Eat healthy, get enough sleep, exercise each day in a way you find enjoyable. Feed your mind and spirit with the positives in life. Drop unhealthy habits such as smoking, too much drinking, or over-eating. They may help you feel better in the moment but, coupled with stress, they harm you in the long run, which will make the cycle of stress even worse.

2. Take your allotted vacation time each year, and get a yearly physical.

3. Avoid toxic relationships and situations as often as possible. Replace them with positive people and activities, and pursue hobbies you love. Spend more time enjoying nature. Enlist help as needed. Make more "you" time however you can.

4. Pace yourself in every way that you can rather than saying an automatic "yes" each time someone wants a favor.

5. Address problems and worries as they arise rather than allowing them to take up residence in your life and stress you out.

6. Get professional help if self-help measures are not enough to reduce stress and help you relax.

While stress is indeed a dangerous and global problem, practicing the tips above can reduce it, which will lead to a more relaxed, fulfilled, and positive life. Begin today to take the needed steps to drop stress in its tracks so that it doesn't drop you in yours.

http://www.stressdirections.com/personal/about_stres s/stress_statistics.html

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